The
Traditional Bowyer's Bible - Vol Three
by Tim Baker, Paul Comstock, Gabriela Cosgrove, Jim Hamm, Gene Langston, Jay Massey,
Jay St. Charles, Jeff Schmidt, Scott Silsby, David Tukura
Softcover
150 x 225mm
351pp
Published by The Lyons Press, Guilford CT USA
R.R.P.$35.90
ISBN 1-58574-087-X
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 130
With the basics of Wooden Bow making well and truly established by the first two Volumes, the last book of the series is largely an exploration of areas not previously covered in depth.
There is a long and illuminating discussion about Bows of the World, another on the subject of Korean archery, more about the Bows used by American Indians, a short treatise on African archery, a chapter on Take Down Bows (ones that can be disassembled) and a piece on making a replica of a Stone Age Bow.
Most of the last third of this book deals with custom made arrows and the making of stone arrow heads. The latter, by Scott Silsby, co-founder of the Society of Primitive Technology, is probably one of the best introductions to stone knapping currently in print.
Taken together, the three Volumes of the Traditional Bowyer's Bible are a collection of carefully structured and interwoven articles by a group of highly experienced and talented makers of Bows and Arrows. They are also a clear attempt to preserve a craft that is in danger of disappearing under the onslaught of modern technology.
Photos: Black & White
Units of Measurement: Imperial
Contents
Traditional Roost - Jay Massey
Tools - Paul Comstock
Bows Of The World - Tim Baker
Korean Archery - Jeff Schmidt
Plains Indian Bows - Jim Hamm
African Archery - David Tukura
Take-Down Bows - Jay St. Charles
A Stone Age Bow - Tim Baker
Preventing and Solving Problems - Paul Comstock
Wooden Arrows - Gabriela Cosgrove
Custom Shafts - Gene Langston
Stone Points - Scott Silsby
Passing The Torch - Jim Hamm
Appendices
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
for 3 Volumes